Double Duty is a Real Kick for Ryan
- Scholar Athlete of the Month: Ryan Leigeb
- School: Frederick Douglass High / Grade: 12
- Sports: Football and soccer
- Academics: Ryan has a 4.2 weighted GPA, scored 30 on the ACT, has taken four A.P. classes and is a National Honor Society member.
- Parents: Lisa & Chris
At our big high schools in Lexington, it’s difficult enough these days to play multiple sports, but how about two sports at the same time?
That’s double tough, but Ryan Leigeb pulled off that double duty for three years at Frederick Douglass High.
The 5-foot-9, 145-pound senior was a three-year starter and captain on the soccer team while also serving as the kicker on the football team that advanced to the State final in December.
He almost never missed a practice in either sport, staying at football practice for special teams work and then attending a full soccer practice.
“The coaches coordinated practice so I could make both. They were really helpful,” Ryan said.
Ryan, 18, enrolled at Douglass as a sophomore when the school first opened and helped develop the soccer team into a success. After winning only nine games in their first two seasons, the Broncos posted a 14-7-2 record in 2019, winning its first District playoff game.
With Ryan playing center back, Douglass also battled Henry Clay, the eventual State champion, in a 2-0 loss in the District final.
Meanwhile, the football program enjoyed success right away and posted a 35-5 record over the past three seasons.
In 2019, the Broncos took an undefeated record into the State final before losing to Covington Catholic, 14-7.
Ryan made 63 of 66 PAT kicks (two of the misses were blocks) and converted three of five field-goal attempts. He was named second-team All-City, but his biggest thrill was playing in the State final at Kroger Field, home of the UK Wildcats.
“Stepping onto the field for the first time in front of all those fans was really exciting,” he said.
In the final, he converted his only PAT kick and even made a tackle on a kickoff.
Of course, tackles were routine for him in soccer.
“He is an aggressive player,” his mother Lisa said. “He was a team leader in soccer, always hyping up the younger players. He did his job and always played smart.”
Not surprising for a student with a 4.2 weighted GPA. Ryan has taken 4 A.P. classes, scored 30 on the ACT and wants to major in business in college.
He’s a National Honor Society member, and was named Academic All-State and served on student council for three straight years. He also was a school ambassador and worked on the school’s Dance Blue committee.
No wonder he was voted the Homecoming King.
“He is self-motivated and a high achiever,” his mother said. “He made every soccer and football practice and still maintained his grades. He is very organized and hard-working, and we are extremely proud of him.”
Scholar Athlete Scholarship: $3,000
Two Scholar Athletes a year will be picked at random to share the $3,000 Darrell B. Pulliam Memorial Scholarship provided by Mike Pulliam, a Rector Hayden Realtor and instructor at Man O’ War Golf. Other contributors are Barry and Mike Barrett of Auto Excel, local accountant Kenny Frank, Bethany Smith of Smith CPA & Associates PLLC, Howard Smith of Smith Garage Equipment, and Dairy Queen franchise owner Paul Wright.
Call or e-mail us with your Scholar Athlete nominations, or click here to fill out a Nomination Form.
(859) 494-1140 / john@lexingtonfamily.com